Riding Facts

These facts are provided by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). For more information, log on to www.publictransportation.org

Public transportation is a $41 billion industry that employs more than 351,000 people.

Since 1995, transit use has increased by 23 percent — faster than highway travel.

APTA estimates that about 14 million Americans ride on public transportation each weekday.

Americans took more than 9.6 billion public transportation trips in 2004.

More than half, or 54 percent, of all public transportation trips are made to commute to work, while 46 percent are trips to school, shopping, medical appointments and entertainment facilities, and for other purposes.

Nearly 20 percent of all transit trips are taken by people over the age of 65 or under 18.

The need for public transportation is great. One in four households have no access to public transportation, and one half have limited service.

Every $1 invested in public transportation projects generates from $4 to $9 in local economic activity.

Every $1 billion invested by the federal government in public transportation infrastructure supports approximately 47,500 jobs.